¶ The laborious journey & search of johan Leylande, for England's antiquities, given of him as a new years gift to king Henry the viii. in the. xxxvij. year of his Reign, with declarations enlarged: by johan Bale.  iii. Macha. ij. 
¶ He that beginneth to write a story, for the fyrble, must with his vnderrstand●●●●●ther the matter together, 〈◊〉 words in order, and diligently seek out on every part.  
¶ To be sold in Fleetstreet at the sign of the Crown next unto the white Fryears' gate.   

To the most virtuous, mighty, and excellent Prince, Edward the. vi. by the grace of God king of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the faith, and in earth under Christ, of the Churches of the said England, and Ireland the supreme head, your most humble subject johan Bale wisheth all honour health and felicity.  
Ambage all the nations▪ in whom I have wandered, for the knowledge of things (most benign sovereign) I have found noise so negligent and untoward, as I have found England in the due search of their ancient histories, to the singular fame and beauty thereof. This have I (as it were) with a woefulness of heart, since my tender youth bewailed, and so much the more, for that I have not, according to the natural zeal which I bear to my country, been able to redress it for vng●● till poverty. A much further plague hath fallen of late years Idolorouslye lament so great an oversight in the most lawful overthrow of the sodometrouse Abbeys & Fryeryes, when the most worthy monuments of this realm, so miserably perished in the spoil. Oh, that men of learning & of perfect love to there nation, were not then appointed to the search of their libraries, for the conservation of those most noble Antiquitees. Covetousness was at that time so busy about private commodity, that public wealth in that most necessary and godly respect, was not any where regarded. If your most noble father of excellent memory, King Henry the viii. had not of a godly zeal, by special commission, directed master johan Leylande, to ouerse●● number of their said libraries, we had lost infinite treasure of knowledge, by the spoil, which anon after followed of their due suppression.  
By that means we are yet in hope of somewhat to come forward, to the inestimable glory of the land, namely his worthy works, de Antiquitate Britannica, & de illustribus viris, with his Epigrams and Epicedes, which a great number of godly men most fervently despereth. This treatise following, of his laborious progress, have I with all meekness, dedicated to your magnificent Majesty, as a just possession to the right inheritor. For first was it given of the Author, to your most noble father of famous memory in stead of a lowly new years gift, now do I restore it to your worthy highness, his natural son and only true successor in kingly dignity, as your own proper good, with all submission decent. I shall not now need to recite to your learned majesty, what profit ariseth by continual reading of books, specially of aunceyent histories, after the necessayre search of the Bible scriptures, for the treatise here following will plenteously declare it. They treat what is in each commonwealth to be followed, and what to be chiefly eschewed. What causeth a realm to flourish, and what doth dyminish the estate thereof, with a thousand of like matters. They much deceive christian Princes, that dissuade them from virtuous study of the sacred scriptures, and Chronicles, as the uprulent papists have done up all practises possible to make them the images of their beastin father of Rome, Apoc. xiii.  
Most of all it becometh a king, to know the laws of the Lord, for he here in earth by power representeth his eternal majesty. Be learned (saith David) ye kings that judge the world embrace good instructions, lest he in his anger do justly abhor you. Psal. ij. The honour of a king (saith Solomon.) standeth not in strength, and riches, but in the search of wholesome doctrine, to divide the dross from the silver, and to follow Gods holy commandments, Prover. xxii. A saying it was a thousand, a hundred, and. thirty years ago, such time as Paulus Orosius was here a writer, that the doctrine of Christ was cause of the decay of the comen wealth of the Romans. Against them that so blasphemously babbled, the said Orosius wrote. seven. noble books, as a confutation of that pernicious error: yet is that most unhappy and devilish opinion, now raised up again from hell, and brought hither into England, by a great number of obstinate papists, and desperate libertines (it is to be feared) to the dreadful damnation of many. If any plague or punishment for sin do chance upon us, by the rightful hand of God, then is the Gospel or message of salvation, wrongfully accused and noised abroad, to be the chief cause, and stirrer up thereof, and not their own fornication and bribery with a thousand mischiefs more, which calleth to God for daily vengeance.  
We had never good world (say they) sens this new learning came in, neither are we like to have, till it be clearly banished again. O voice more aparaunt to come from devils then from men christened. The son of the living God jesus Christ showeth us the plain cause, why these wicked persons so obstynatlye dwell in the hate of his heavenly word. Every one (saith he) that worketh wickedness doth abhor that light, because they will not their mischiefs thereby to be known. For that light manifesteth to the world, their fowl naughty doings, and shameful oppressions to rebuke. john. iij. These seek but to reign here in a fleshly liberty, over other men's wives & goods, for the time of their cursed lives, which the scriptures will not permit them. And therefore they fret at the very heart, & would have them banished the country, that they so might live here without check. These with such other most detestable abuses, whose due reformation chiefly belongeth to a king, may as in a clear mirror, be scene in the said scriptures and chronicles. It may also in them be perceived, whereof they arise, and how they may weal by good order be abolished. And therefore I reckon the continual search of them, to a Christian governor most necessary.  
We find Exodi. i. that the mighty Magistrate under God Moses, among his other most worthy acts, drove the devouring locusts, which had in Egypte destroyed all that was grieve upon the earth, into the read sea, and there drowned them so, that they were no more seen. The like wrought your highnesses most noble father of excellent memory King Henry the. viii. though it were in an other kind, such time as he discharged this his realm of Antichristes' noyful cattle, Monks, Canons, friars, nuns, hermits, Perdoners, and soul singers, with other execrable sects of perdition. Nevertheless our Egyptians both of the clergy, and layte, have sought ever since, and yet seeketh to this day, to lead your majesties people in a palpable kind of darkness up their masses, and other sorcerous witchcrafts, as lately appeared in the last commotion of cornwall and devonshire, to reduce them again to the old obedience of the great Pharaoh of Rome, in the stinking kingdom of idolatry. But your noble counsel, to withstand this violence, hath hitherto most worthily wrought, in the mighty word of the Lord, & in the strong power of your regal rod, to drive this horrible plague of darkness from the face of this earth, and our good hope is, that they will graciously so still continue.  
Solomon is commended of jesus the son of Syrach, Eccle. xlvij. for that the Lord had him replenished with all wisdom, & for his sake had driven the enemies away far of, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare unto him a sanctuary for ever, which all to this day we behold in your kyngelye person fulfilled, praying unto God that it may so still endure. As in your princely beginnings ye apere unto as a very josias both in your tender youth & virtuous education, so our special hope is, that in your daily procedings we will still persever the same. The lykelyhodes in deed are very aparaunte, God's name be praised for it. For by your gracious commandment, hath been taken away the abominations of the ungodly. Which is a plain token, that ye have directed your noble heart to the living Lord, intending to set up his true worshippings again. That we delivered (as Zacharias the married priest saith, Luce. i.) out of the cruel hands of our enemies, may serve him from hens fourth without fear, all the days of our life. These most godly principles refresheth your christian subjects, and so greatly delighteth their obedient hearts, that the only remembrance of your majesties name, is to them now more pleasant, sweet, & delicious, than is any other pleasure worldly, like as was the name of the first josias to the people of that age. Eccle. xlix. The eternal living God prosper your highness in all kinds of learning & virtue, and preserve you in long life upon earth, to the glory of his holy name & comfort of your loving subjects. Amen.   

johan Bale to the Reader.  
IN what estimation Antyquytees have been had among men of grave wits and judgements, 
Antiquitees.  the histories which are, as testifieth Cicero, the mastresses of life & expositors of times, have not omitted to declare. The most ancient and authorysable antiquities are those, which Moses left to the hebrews, and Berosus to the Chaldeans, as most precious treasure, and lively memoryalles in writing, that both the jews and the gentiles, 
people's  and in them all nations of the world might thereby know their original beginnings. What hath been done besides in the particular Kyngedomes abroad by their antic writers, it is known to them which have of long time been exercised in the reading of their most ancient chronicles. Though Gyldas Badonicus do report on the one side, in his first treatise de excidio Britanniae, that all the old monuments of the britains had perished afore his time, and were partly brent by the enemies, and partly conveyed into other lands by them that fled from hens. And although that Bedas Girminus also on the other side, 
Bedas.  in setting fourth the history of the english Saxons, doth omit the antiquities of the said britains their predecessors, partly of hate, as it is supposed, and partly for want of their old writings. Yet remained there of late years in certain libraries of this realm (I have scene part of them) the most worthy monuments, 
libraries.  concerning antiquity, of Ninianus, Patricius, Ambrose Merlinus, Gildas Albanius, Merlinus Sylvester, Thelesinus, Melkinus, Kentigernus, Nennius, Samuel, & other like, 
writers  of whom the more part wrote long afore them.  
But this is highly to be lamented, of all them that hath a natural love to their country, 
love.  either yet to learned antiquity, which is a most singular beauty to the same. That in turning over of the supersticious monasteries, so little respect was had to their libraries for the safeguard of those noble & precious monuments. I do not deny it, but the monks, 
Monks.  canons, & friars, were wicked both ways, as the oiled bishops and priests for the more part are yet still. first for so much as they were the professed soldiers of Antichrist, & next to that, for so much as they were most execrable livers. For these causes, I must confess them most justly suppressed. Yet this would I have wished (and I scarcely utter it without tears) that the profitable corn had not so unadvisedly and ungodly perished with the unprofitable chaff, 
abbeys  nor the wholesome herbs with the unwholesome weeds, I mean the worthy works of men godly minded, and lively memoryalles of our nation, with those laysy lubbers and popish bellygoddes. 
lubbers  But diverse were the workers of this desolation, like as the things dissipated were diverse. The verity and promise of our eternal God, made an end of the pope's disguised rabble, as it will do of his remnant, which are weal known by their fruits. All plants (saith Christ) which my heavenly father hath not planted, 
Masmongers.  shall be plucked up by the roots, lest any longer the blind leaders should lead the blind multitude. Math. xi.  
Avarice was the other dyspatcher, which hath made an end both of our libraries and books without respect like as of other most honest commodities, 
covetise  to no small decay of the comen wealth. Cyrus' the King of Perseanes (as testifieth Esdras) had a noble library in Babylon, 
Cyrus.  for the conservation both of the lands antiquities & also of the princes acts, laws, & commandments, that when necessity should require it, the certainty of things might there be sought and found out. i. Esdre. vi. Nehemias the 
Nehemias.  Prophet made a library also, and gathered into it books from all countries, specially the books of the prophets and of David, the epistles and acts of the kings, with certain annotations and writings, judas Machabeus adding diverse victories to the same. ij. Ma●ha. ij. Thus are builders of libraries commended in the scriptures, than must their destroyers have of the same, 
Destroyer's.  their justly deserved infamies, namely when covetousness is found the most busy door, whose works are always to be detested. Wherefore Solomon saith: A discrete & just ruler much profiteth a land, where a covetous ravener destroyeth it again, Prover. xxix. O most wicked avarice, 
Avarice  saint Paul calleth the a worshipping of idols, which is a taking away of all godly honour, Collos. iij. He saith, thou art such a temptation and snare of the devil, as bringeth all to perdition. Yea, he reporteth the to be the root of all my schefe. i. Timot. vi. Nothing upon earth (saith jesus Syrach) is so evil, as a covetous man. Eccle. x.  
Never had we been offended for the loss of our libraries, 
libraries.  being so many in number, and in so desolate places for the more part, if the chief monuments and most notable works of our excellent writers, had been reserved. If there had been in every shire of England, but one solemn library, to the preservation of those noble works, and preferrment of good learnings in our posterity, it had been yet somewhat. But to destroy all without consideration, 
destruction.  is and will be unto England for ever, a most horrible infamy among the grave seniors of other nations. A great number of them which purchased those supersticious mansions, reserved of those lybrarye books, some to serve their inks, some to scour their candlesticks, & some to rub their boots. Some they sold to the gross and soap sellers, 
gross  & some they sent over see to the bokebynders, not in small number, but at times whole ships full, to the wondering of the foreign nations. Yea, the universities of this realm, are not all clear in this detestable fact. But cursed is that belly, which seeketh to be fed with such ungodly gains, and so deeply shameth his natural country. I know a merchant man, 
A Merchant.  which shall at this time be nameless, that bought the contents of two noble libraries for. xl. shillings price, a shame it is to be spoken. This stuff hath he occupied in the stead of grey paper by the space of more than these. x. years, & yet he hath store enough for as many years to come. A prodigious example is this, 
An example.  & to be abhorred of all men which love their nation as they should do.  
O cities of England, whose glory standeth more in belly cheer, than in the search of wisdom godly. How cometh it, that neither you, nor yet your idle masmongers, 
norwich  have regarded this most worthy commodity of your country? I mean the conservation of your antiquities, and of the worthy labours of your learned men: I think the renown of such a notable act, would have much longer endured, than of all your belly banquets & table triumphs, either yet of your newly purchased hawles to keep s. George's feast in. 
Gild hawles.  What else made the ancient Greeks & Romans, famous to the world, but such virtuous & necessary provisions in their comen wealths? What else hath made the jews now an obscure nation, but the decay of their kingdom & continual destructions besides. Yea, what may bring our realm to more shame & rebuke, 
England  than to have it noised abroad, that we are despisers of learning? I judge this to be true, & utter it with heaviness, that neither ●he britains under the Romans & Saxons, nor yet the english people andre the Danes and Normannes, had ●uer such damage of their learned monuments, 
damage  as we have scene in our time. Our posterity may weal curse this wicked fact of our age, this unreasonable spole of England's most noble ●ntiquytees, unless they be stayed in me, and by the art of printing be ●ought into a number of copies. The ●ukes kept them under dust, the idle headed priests regarded them not, 
priests.  their latter owners have most shamefully abused them & the covetous merchants have sold them away into foreign nations for money. Step you fourth now last of all, ye noble men & women (as there are in these days a great number of you most nobyllye learned, 
nobylite  praise be to God for it) and show your natural noble hearts to your nation. Tread under your feet the unworthy examples of these Herostrates or abominable destroyars. And bring you into the light, that they kept long in the darkness, or else in these days seeketh utterly to destroy. As ye find a notable antiquity, 
Antiquitees.  such as are the histories of Gildas & Nennius among the britains, Stephanides & Asserius among the english Saxons, let them anon be imprinted, & so bring them into a number of copies, both to their and your own perpetual fame. For a more notable point of nobility can ye not show, than in such sort to bewtyfie your country, 
country  & so to restore us to such a truth in histories, as we have long wanted. We have the fable of Dioclecyane & his. xxxiij. Daughters, 
Fables.  and how this realm was called Albion ab albis rupibus, with lie and all, but the verity as yet we have not, how this land was first inhabited. If we find them mixed with superstitions, we shall measure them by the scriptures, & somewhat bear with the corruption of their times. 
corruption.  Unknown is it not unto you, but that the most noble conquerors of the world, have evermore had in much price the antiquities of stories, and have learned of them the thing which hath most increased their worthy fame.  
Now come we to the author of this present treatise, which plenteously hath declared the abundance of a noble heart to his country. This was johan Leylande, 
Leylande  an excellent orator and poet, moreover a man learned in many sundry languages, as Greek, Latin, French, Italion, Spanish, Brittyshe, Saxonyshe, Walshe, english, and scottish. A most fervent favourer was this man, and a most diligent searcher of the antiquities of this our english or Bryttyshe nation, 
Antiquarius.  as will apere not only by this treatise following, but also by many other notable works which he hath learnedly compiled. Because I will not stand alone in the praise of him and his worthy acts, I will now bring fourth an other witness, 
A witness.  a man learned and loving his country also, which wrote unto me. iij. years ago, dolourouslye lamenting his sudden fall. Maistre Leyande (saith he) whose printed works I have sent you, is in such a frenzy at this present, that little hope I have of his recover, whereby he might finish such things as he began, and would have ended, if life, health, and right reason had served him thereunto. There be diverse which (by report of his enemies, 
Oblocutours.  as Polydore Vergyle and others) say, that he would never have set fourth such things as he promised, affirming him to be a vaynegloryouse person, which would promise more, than ever he was able or intended to perform.  
I much do fear it that he was vaynegloryouse, and that he had a poetical wit, which I lament, 
Lamentable.  for I judge it one of the chiefest things that caused him to fall besides his right dyscernynges. But this dare I be hold to say, as one that knoweth it (for I saw and red of them in his study, diverse and many times) that he never promised to set fourth so many works as he had digested in an order, 
works  and had in a forward readiness to have set fourth. And surely in such a sort he handled the matters by him treated of, that (by my simple judgement) if he had so finished them and set them fourth according as he than intended and would have done. Truly I suppose no less, but it would have been a wondre (yea, 
A wondre.  a miracle to the world) to have red them. And that all other authors, which have written of us and of ours in times passed, concerning things memorable, to be chronicled, either yet put in writing, should have been counted but as shadows, or of small estimation in respect of him. So lernedlye, lively, evidently, and groundedly, and with such authorities (Yea, 
Autorytees.  and as it were with a certain majesty) would he have fully and wholly painted, described, or set fourth this our realm and all things therein, with all the dominions thereof, and with all such things as have from time to time been done in them.  
I was as famylyarlye acquainted with him, 
Acquainted.  as with whom I am best acquainted, and do know certainly, that he from his youth was so earnestly studious and desperouse of our antiquities, that always his whole studies were directed to that end. And for the true and full attaining thereunto, he not only applied himself to the knowledge of the Greek and Latin tongues, wherein he was (I might say) excellently learned. But also to the study of the Bryttyshe, Saxonyshe, & Walshe tongues, 
Tongue's  & so much profited therein, that he most perfectly understood them. And yet not herewith all content, he did fully and wholly both labour and travail in his own person, through this our realm and certain of the dominions thereof, because he would have the perfit and full knowledge of all things that might be gathered or learned, both for things memorable, and for the situation of the same. And as for all authors of Greek, 
Author's  Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, Bryttyshe, Saxonyshe, Walshe english, or scottish, touching in any wise the understanding of our antiquities, he had so fully red and applied them, that they were in a manner graffed in him as of nature. So that he might well call himself Antiquarius.  
Surely my friend, I can not therefore but lament this his estate, boldly affirming, 
Doloously.  that England never saw (nor as I believe, shall see, except God say Amen thereto) a man to him herein in all things to be compared. For undoubted he was in these matters wonderful and peerless, so that as concerning them, England had yet never a greater loss. But what shall we say? It hath pleased god that he should thus be deprived of his wits, that lord knoweth best what he hath to do, his name for evermore blessed. 
〈◊〉  But this shallbe my prayer still, that if the Lord will not give him his right understanding again, that it may yet pleased his goodness, to put in the minds of some that best may, to do it. That not only such things as master Leylande intended to have set fourth of his own, 
Old writers.  but also such old authors as he hath gathered together into his libraries (and as yet not printed) may (and that with speed) be set fourth in print, for the necessary knowledge of all men touching Antiquitees. But after such rate and fort as Maystre Leylande himself (if his right reason had served him, would have set them fourth, for that do I never look. But hereof one's to make an end as Terence featly saith, 
Terencius.  ut quimus, quando ut volumus non licet. We must do as we may, when we can not do as we would, All these are the testimonies of my friend.  
Thus am I not alone in opinion concerning johan Leylande and such other for Antiquitees sake, but have so many more with their good wills to assist me as naturally favoureth England. 
Not alone.  By this worthy property (saith Cassiodorus) is a noble citizen known. He seeketh the commodity, praise and advancement of his country. Sweet is the remembrance of a man's natural land, to him that is absent. The birds that fly abroad, do love their own nests. The beasts that run astray, 
Creatures.  seeketh their accustomed cowches. And the fishes within the water, resorteth to their hollow dens. Right notably was it alleged of Plato, that we are not borne only to our own commodities. But we ought to have respect both to our country & kindred. Of our natural country we have our parents, our food, our nourishment, friendship, friends, acquaintance house, wife, children, with such like. The fathers in the old law, 
Father's  had such an inward love to their native soil, that they would no where else be buried. Though Christ our most loving master said it. That a Prophet is not without honour but in his own country and kindred. Matth. xiii. Yet beautified it he above all nations, both with his doctrine and miracles, alleging many of their noble antiquities in Noah, Loth, Abraham, Isaac, jacob, David, Solomon, Elias, Eliseus, and other to confirm than in the true faith. He that naturally loveth his land, obeyeth therewith the commandments of God concerning the love of his neighbour, and the faithful obedience of kings. Which I instantly desire all godly subjects to follow, to the praise of him which gave those necessary commandments.  
So be it.   

The laborious journey & search of johan Leylande, for England's antiquities, given of him as a new years gift to King Henry the. viii. in the xxxvij. year of his reign, with declarations enlarged by johan Bale.  
NO man (I think) there is which beareth good affection to England, or that numbereth the love of his natural country among comely and necessary virtues, 
Country love.  but will commend the honest affect, study, labour, and diligence of the author of this present treatise. And not only that, but upon the same he will himself endeavour: yea, each man to his talent, to follow the like in effect. johan Leylande in this and many other works, which he hath in his time compiled, have not showed himself a barren and unfruitful clod of earth within his own nation, 
clod.  sucking the moisture, 
A clod  and not rendering fruit to the commodity thereof as many doth, the more is the pity. But he hath much fructified in bringing many things to clear knowledge, which have long remained in horrible darkness. He is here unto us in England, in these his fruitful labours, as was joannes Annius to the Italianes, and as were both Conradus Celtes and Franciscus Irenicus to the Germans, 
Sim●les.  which brought many most wonderful antiquities of theirs to light. His labours in collecting the same to the singular commodity of our nation, will apere here after abundant, to them that shall diligently peruse this small treatise, which he gave to King Henry, the. viii. as a new years gift, 
The title  in the year of our Lord a M. D. XLVI. The which as I have received of a special friend, so do I again fryndelye commuycate it, to the fryndely lovers of my country. And thus it beginneth:  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Where as it pleased your highness upon very just considerations, to encourage me, by the authority of your most gracious commission, in the. xxxv. year of your prosperous reign, 
Studium antiquitatis in, principe.  to peruse and diligently to search all the libraries of monasteries and colleges of this your noble realm, to the intent that the monuments of ancient writers, as well of other nations as of your own province, might be brought out of deadly darkness to lively light, and to receive like thanks of their posterity, as they hoped for at such time, as they employed their long and great studies to the public wealth.  ¶ johan Bale. 
See here the wisdom of this worthy and noble Prince, King Henry the. viii. how prudently he disposeth matters. According to the Princely administration, 
Princely  of God to him committed, he hath here considerations diverse respecting as weal the dispositions of his subjects, as those things also, which might seem to be profitable in a Christian comen wealth. Not only marked he the natural inclination of this Leylande, but also provoked him to follow it in effect, to the conservation of the lands antiquities which are a most singular beauty in every nation. 
antiquity.  He gave him out his authority and commission, in the year of our Lord a M. D. xxxiij. to search and peruse the Libraries of his realm in monasteries, covents, and colleges, before their utter destruction, which God then appointed for their wickednesses sake. The ruler (saith S. Paul) beareth not the sword in vain, 
A king.  but is the minister of God, to take vengeance on them that do evil, Roma. xiii. And his noble purpose was this, to save the precious monuments of ancient writers, which is a most worthy work, and so to bring them from darkness to a lively light, to the notable fame and ornature of this land. Thus was there in this king, besides that is spoken afore, a study of things memorable, 
Studoouse.  and a regarding of noble antiquity, which both are to be commended highly.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Yea, and furthermore, that the holy scripture of God might both be sincerely taught and learned, all manner of superstition, and crafty coloured doctrine of a rout of Roman bishops, 
Cura religionis in Principe.  totally expelled out of this your most catholic realm. I think it now no less, than my very duty, briefly to declare to your Majesty, what fruit have sprung of my laborious journey and costly enterprise, both rooted upon your infinite goodness and liberality, qualities right highly to be esteemed in all Princes, and most specially in you, as naturally your own weal known proprietes.  ¶ johan Bale. 
another cause johan Leylande bringeth fourth here, of this search of libraries, which is, that the scriptures of God might thereby be more purely taught then afore in the Romish pope's time. Moreover, 
the truth.  that all kinds of wicked superstitions, and of the sophistical doctrines might be removed hens, to the amendment or else more clear appearance of the true christian faith. For though the more part of writers, were wholly given to serve Antichristes' affects in the perilous ages of the church. Apo. ix. Yet were there some among them, 
Sungood  which refusing the office, sought the only glory of their Lord God. In the midst of all darkness, have some men by all ages, had the living spirit of God's children, what though they have in some things erred. Gal. iiij. Never yet were the spelunkes of Abdias without the true Prophets of God, what though that wicked jezabel, 
jesabel.  the romish church most cruelly sought their blood. iij. Re. xviij. The worthy works of these, this noble king sought to save by this Leylande, afore the suppressing of the monkyshe monasteries, which commendeth in him (as good reason giveth it) both the care of Christian religion, and also the disannulling of most devilish idolatry. Such a discrete and circumspect king doth the wise man call, 
A king  a welfare of the world, and an upholding of the people. Sapi. vi. The fruits sprynginge of Leyland's laborious journey now followeth in effect.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
first I have conserved many good authors, 
Examplariaveterun authorum conseruata  the which otherwise had been like to have perished, to ●o small incommodity of good letters, Of the which part remain in the most magnificent libraries of your royal palaces. Part also remain in my custody, 
Auctae Bibliothecae palatinae  whereby I trust right shortly, so to describe your most noble realm, and to publish the Majesty of the excellent acts of your progenitors, hitherto sore obscured, both for lack of emprynting of such works as say secretly in corners.  ¶ johan Bale. 
If he be worthy praise, which seeketh to profit a common wealth johan Leyland is not to be neglected here, for this his laborious journey and costuouse enterprise. 
journey  For thereby he hath sau●d the profitable works of many excellent writers, which else had been lost, to no small decay of that wholesome verity, which is both to be sought in the scriptures of the Bible, and also in the most old and autentyck chronicles of our province. heeded weal to commit certain of those worthy works to the kings noble Libraries to their conservation, 
Libraries.  and also in reserving a certain of them to himself, at that time minding to have polished our chronicles, by fabulous writers sore blemished. But a most noble act should he do, that would clearly redeem them from dust and byrdfylynges, or private use to no profit, and so bring them fourth to a commenwealth of godly knowledge and learning, 
Good books.  to the worthy fame of England, and increase of virtue. No godly man lighteth a candle to put it under a bushel, but to set it a broad to the comfort of many. Luce. xi. To lock up the gates of the true knowledge, from them that affectuously seeketh it to the glory of God, is a property belonging only to the hypocryiysh Pharisees, and false layers. Mat. twenty-three. A more sign of ignobylyte can not be seen, 
Ignobilite.  then to hide such noble monuments, neither can grow a more famous report, than to send them fourth a broad among men. And for that purpose (I think) God hath in this age given the noble art of prenting.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
And also because men of eloquence hath not enterprised, to set them fourth in a flourishing style, 
Stylus aegrestis veterum scriptorum.  in some times passed not commonly used in England of writers, otherwise weal learned, and now in such estimation, that except truth be delicately clothed in purpur her written verities can scant find a reader. That all the world that evidently perceive, that no particular region, may justly be more extolled, than yours for true nobility and virtues at all points revoumed.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Much have the excellent and lively acts of Kings been obscured, (as is written afore) for so much as these noble Antyquytees have not been ere this time revealed, 
Antiquitees.  but tied up in chains, and hidden under dust in the monks and friars libraries. The great want of them hath caused our latter Chronicles, specially johan Hardynge, William Caxton, Robert Fabiane, and now last of all Polydor Vergyll, so deeply to err, as they have done in many points. And. ij. things chiefly have caused them (Leylande saith) so long to be withholden from us. 
ij. things  The one is the slackness of emprynting, that no studious person, minding the verities preferrment, hath laboured their setting out, to the comen profit. An other is the want of ornature, that they have not been changed into a more eloquent style, to the full satisfying of delicate ears and wits. The first I would wish to be followed, 
eloquence  as a thing very necessary to our English comen wealth. The other for the first time, might weal be spared. For undoubtedly, authority it would add unto them, to apere first of all in their own simplycyte or native colours without beauty of speech. The scriptures are not to be rejected, 
Scriptures.  though they for the more part, want that same pleasant order, which is commonly sought among profane writers. God hath chosen (S. Paul saith) the foolish and weak things of the world, to confound the wise and mighty i. Cor. i.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Farther more part of the exemplaries, curiously sought by me, and fortunately found in sundry places of this your dominion, 
Exemplaria praeliscommissa  hath b●ne imprinted in Germany, and now be in the presses chiefly of Frobentus, that not alonely the Germans, but also the Italianes themself, that count as the Greeks did full arrogantly, all other nations to be barbarous & unlettered, saving their own, shall have a direct occasion, openly of force to say. That Britannia prima fuit parens, altrix (addo hoc etiam, & iure quidem optimo) conseruatrix eum virorum magnorum, tum maxim, ingeniorum.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Here showeth Leylande, how the third or latter part of his collections out of the english libraries, was bestowed to profit. But where as he maketh report here, 
Of books.  a certain of them to have been imprinted in Germany. I suppose he partly speaketh it for the work of josephus Devonius, which he wrote in paraphrastical verses, upon the treatise of Dares Phrygius concerning the destruction of Troy, and in. vi. books dedicated it to Baldewine than archbishop of Canterbury: which work (saith he in Syllabo antiquarum dictionum) was printed in Germany, 
Lelandus.  but very corruptly under the title of Cornelius Nepos a Roman. Whereof Guilhelmus Fastregicus in his first book de Originibus rerum maketh also mention. Of the books which should be in the hands of Hieronymus Frobenius, can I nothing hear. Yet have I made thydre most instant suit and labour by diverse honest men, at the least to have had but their titles, but I never could obtain them. 
Conjecture.  Which maketh me to think, that either they have perished by the way, or else that they are thrown a side in some corner, and so forgotten. Yet Conradus Gesnerus somewhat comforteth me again, which in the second part of his universal Biblyotheke, fol. clvij confesseth certain old Brittyshe hystorianes yet to remain. For so little esteeming our true antiquities, the proud Italians have always held us for a barbarous nation. Look johan Boccatius in his sixth book de genealogia Deorum, Cap. lvij. where as he treateth of Silvius posthumus and of our Brute, 
Negligence.  besides their hystoryans. Where as, if we had by all ages set them abroad, they had been justly occasioned, to have named britain, a mother, a nurse, and a maintainer, not only of worthy men, but also of most excellent wits.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
And that profit hath risen by the aforesaid journey, in bringing full many things to light, as concerning the usurped authority of the bishop of Rome and his complices, 
Antiphilarchia repellens ambitiosum Ro. Epi. Imperium.  to the manifest and violent derogation of kingly dignity, I refer myself most humbly to your most prudent, learned, & high judgement, to discern my diligence in the long volume, wherein I have made answer for the defence of your supreme dignity, alonely leaving to the strong pillar of holy scripture against the whole college of the romanists, cloaking their crafty assertions and arguments, under the name of one poor Pighius of Vltraiecte in Germany, 
Albertus' Pighius.  and standing to them as to their only anchor hold against tempests that they know will arise, if truth may be by lycens let in, to have a voice in the general counsel.  ¶ johan Bale. 
By the histories of antiquity, are the natures of all ages of the world manifested from time to time, & also both the prophecies of Daniel and of S. Johan's revelation more easily of their readers understanded. 
Prophecies.  For he that marketh not by the search of earnest chronicles, the disposition of times, shall never behold those godly prophecies fulfilled in effect. And therefore saith Leylande here, that this profit among other hath risen of his studious labour. Antichrist and his ministers are like to be the better known, 
Antichrist.  and their tyrannous usurpations perceived, how shamefully they have abused the dignity of kings. Whose power S. Paul declareth, not to be of the proud Romish popet, as they have been persuaded by his false prophets in every nation, but immediately from the omnipotent God of heaven. Roma. xiii. In all ages have there been some godly writers in England, 
writers.  which have both smelled out, & also by their writings detected the blasphemous frauds of this Antichrist. diverse, of those christian works did Leylande find, and was by them occasioned to write a great book, called Antiphilarchia, against the ambitious empire of the Romish bishop. And in this he chiefly withstood the subtile assertions & sophistical reasonings of an idle brained papist, 
a papist  called Albertus Pighius, sometime a catty stayled canon in the great cathedral minster of utrecht in holland. Wherein he willeth that the verity may once find gentle hearers, against those wicked enemies.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Yet herein only I have not pitched the supreme work of my labour, whereunto your grace most like a kyngelye patron of all good learning did animate me. 
Affectus autoris erga patriam.  But also considering and expending with myself, how great a numbered of excellent godly wits and writers, learned with the best, as the times served, hath been in this your region. Not only at such times as the Roman emperors had recourse to it, but also in those days that the Saxons prevailed of the britains, and the Normannes of the Saxons, could not but with a fervent zeal and an honest courage, commend them to memory. Else alas, like to have been perpetually obscured, or to have been lightly remembered, as uncertain shadows.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Not only did johan Leylande collect these fruitful ancient authors together, that men mgyhte by them inveigh against the false doctrine of papists, 
doctrine  corrupting both the scriptures of God and the chronicles of this realm, by execrable lies & fables but also that their witty works might come to light and be spread abroad to the whorthye fame of the land. For by them may it weal apere, the times always considered, that we are no barbarous nation, as contemptuously the Italyane writers doth call us. Yet Cornelius Tacitus a noble Roman, 
Conelius Tacitus  in the life of julius Agricola, commendeth the bringing up of noble men's children in the liberal sciences among the britains, and preferreth the pregnauncy of their wits afore the laborious study of the Galls, whom we now call French men. Moreover afore that, he reporteth the said britains, 
britain  to be famously remembered of many worthy writers, which is no note of obscuryte or barberousnesse. And this noble nation had afterward most witty writers and men of grounded learning, under the Saxons, Danes, & Normannes so weal as they had afore time under the Roman emperors. A filthy bastard is he to England, and a most cruel enemy to all good learning, that will now obscure their names and destroy their works, to the lands perpetual dyscommodyte. 
Bastards.  As some unnatural children have done now of late, to serve their private affections more than the comen wealth. God shorten their unprofitable lives, if they cease not of that mischief in time.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Wherefore I knowing by infinite varyete of books, and assyduouse reading of them, 
Libri quatour de viris illustribus, sive descriptoribus Britannicis.  who hath been learned and who hath written from time to time in this realm, have digested into iiij. books, the names of them with their lives and monuments of learning. And to them added this little, De viris illustribus, following the profitable example of Hierome, Gennadie, Cassiodore, Severyane, and Trittemie a late writer. But alway so handling the matter, that I have more exspacyated in this camp, than they did, as in a thing that desired to be somewhat at large, & to have ornature. The first book beginning at the Druids, is deducted unto the time of the coming of S. Augustyne into England. The second is from the time of Augustyne, unto the advent of the normans.  ¶ johan Bale. 
In this did johan Leylande declare a noble kind of study and a natural heart to his country. The Lord of heaven send England more of such lovers, 
More friends  and take away those unprofitable clods, which seeketh not else but themselves in the destruction of things memorable & necessary. The book of S. Hierome de viris illustribus, is judged of them that be godly, wise, and learned, to be a work very excellent, and much profitable to the Christian comen use. For it showeth what writers there were in the primitive church, 
Church  & what fruit sprung of their doctrine. If any learned man had showed this order in the Brittyshe church, which continued from the Apostles time by joseph of Arymathie, and other godly ministers, till the coming of Augustyne, we had known of their christianyte much more than we now do. Bedas in the English church, wrote De scriptoribus Ecclesiae, which had clearly perished Gesnerus saith) if one Honorius Augustudimensis had not into his book of the same title, 
Honorius  conveyed a certain of them. Other collectors of the names & works of learned writers, had we none here in England, that I ever heard of, saving one Bostonus of Bury, which was very copyouse in that matter. Now cometh johan Leylande with his. iiij. books de viris illustribus, & he so abundantly will satisfy the hungry expectation of many, may his work come ones to light, 
Leyland.  that much more is not therein to be desired. Blessed be that man, which shall set that worthy work abroad. And contrary wise, cursed be he for ever and ever, that shall in sphyght of his nation, seek thereof the destruction.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
The third from the Normans, to the end of the most honourable reign of the mighty, famous, and prudent Prince, Henry. the. seven. your father. The fourth beginneth with the name of your majesty, whose glory in learning is to the world so clearly known, that though among the lives of other learned men I have accurately celebrated the names of Bladudus, 
Principes eruditi.  Molinutius, Constantinus magnus, Sigebertus, Alfridus, Alfridus magnus, Athelstanus, & Henry the first, Kings and your progenitors. And also Ethelwarde, second son to Alfride the great, Hunfryde Duke of Gloucester, and Tipetote earl of worcester, yet conferred with your grace, they seem as small lights (if I may freely say my judgement, your high modesty not offended) in respect of the day star.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Of many idle witted bragger's, which judge themselves learned and are nothing less, is the title of this work, 
the title  de viris illustribus, contemned and ill spoken of. But what wise men do think of them that so frantycklye on their ale benches do prattle, it is easy to conjecture. Saint Hierome, Gennadius, Cassiodorus, Seuerianus & Tritemius, whom Leylande here nameth for example, thought not the argument light, when they wrote works of that title. No more did Suidas Grecus, Isidorus, Hildefonsus, Prosper, Sigebertus, Honorius, Trissa, Bostonus, Bostius, Bergomas, & a great sort more, 
Authores.  in doing the same. The order of Leylandes work into. iiij books divided, beginning at the Druids, & ending in the latter years of King Henry the. viii. as he hath herein uttered, is very commendable. somewhat more is it than a year past, since I put fourth a work of the same argument, entitled de scrpitoribus Britannicis, 
Scriptores.  containing. v. books with certain additions which I gathered together being out of the realm. Sens I returned again thereunto, by the search of diverse most ruynouslye spoiled, broken up, and dispersed libraries, I have collected by no small labour & diligence, so much as will make so many books more, besides the necessary recognition and fruitful augmentation of the said first work. This latter work intend I to set fourth also, 
Aliud opus.  to the commodity of my country, as it is one's finished, if poverty withstand me not, as it is my most doubt. Yet would I have no man to judge my rude labours, to Leyland's five workmanship in any point equal but at all times to give place unto it.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Now farther to insynuate to your grace, of what matters the writers, whose lives I have congested into. iiij books, hath treated of. 
Ingenia scriptorum Britannicorum omni genere eruditionis exercitata.  I may right boldly say, that beside the cognition of the. iiij. tongues, in the which part of them hath excelled, that there is no kind of liberal science, or any feat concerning learning, in the which they have not showed certain arguments of great felicity of wit. Yea and concerning the interpretation of holy scripture, both after the ancient form, and since the scholastical trade they have reigned as in a certain excellency.  ¶ johan Bale. 
In this parcel Leylande expresseth, the most excellent wits, the knowledge of tongues, and the manifold literature of his english writers, 
literature.  whose lives he uttereth in his. iiij. former books at large. Many of them (he saith) were excellent in the three principal languages, Hebrew, Greek, & Latin. As concerning the Hebrew, 
Hebrues  it is to be thought, that many were therein weal learned in the days of King Athelstane. For at the instant request of his prelate's, he caused the scriptures out of that tongue to be by certain doctors translated into the Saxonysh or english speech, as in the chronicles is mentioned. Robert Grosthede of Sothfolke, a famous learned man, & sometime bishop of Lyncolne, extracted many things out of the hebrews commentaries, specially, he translated the Testament of the patriarchs, and out of the Greek certain works of Aristotle, 
Greeks.  Dionyse, and Suidas, besides that Helena the mother of great Constantyne did in her time. Gildas Cambrius, Claudia Rufina, Constantinus magnus, Maildulphus Scotus, Aldelmus Bladunius, Thobias Cantianus, Bedas Girwinus, Daniel Wentanus, Flaccus Albinus, joannes Erigena, Odo Severus, josephus Denouius, and a great sort more, in the Greek tongue were very notable. The numbered of good Latin authors within this realm, 
Latins  were to long at this time to be rehearsed, besides the infynyterable of the barbarous and brawling sentencioners. These he for his part, and I for my part, have most plenteously describe, with the diversity of matters in their works comprehended.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
And as touching historical knowledge, 
Ingens numerus scriptorum rerum Britamnicarun.  there hath been to the number of a full hundredth or more, that from time to time hath with great diligence, and no less, faith, would to God with like eloquence, perscribed the acts of your most noble predecessors, and the fortunes of this your realm, so incredyblye great, that he that hath not scene and throughly red their works, can little pronounce in this part.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Now cometh he in with the talk of hystoryanes and chroniclers of England, 
chroniclers.  which hath by all ages most plenteously described the noble acts and fortunes of the same. The number of them after his reckoning, cometh to more than a full hundredth, great pity it is, that we have not abroad those worthy and ancient monuments of our predecessors. let no man find fault with this their number, for though it be great, & at the first show appeareth incredible to them which have not travailed in that kind of study, yet I perfectly know it to be true, and also reported here with the least. 
Hystorianes.  If we lose the treasure of these authors herein contained, by the malice or else slothful negligence of this wicked age, which is much given to the destruction of things memorable, we may weal lament and say with the noble clerk Erasmus of Roterdame. 
Erasmus  With much pain I abstain from weeping (saith he in a certain epistle) so oft as I in reading the Cataloges of old writers, do behold what profyghtes, yea, what pusaunce, aid, and comfort we have lost. My grief is also augmented, so oft times as I call to remembrance, what ill stuff we have in stead of their good writings. We find for true histories, most frivolous fables and lies, 
Fables.  that we might the sooner by the devils suggestion, fall into most deep errors, and so be lost, for not believing the truth. ij. Tessa. ij.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Wherefore, after that I had prepended the honest and profitable studies of these historiographers, I was totally inflamed with a love, to see throughly all those parts of this your opulent and ample realm, 
Peragratio laboriosa totius Britaniae primae.  that I had red of in the aforesaid writers. In so much that all my other occupations intermytted, I have so traveled in your dominions both by the see coasts and the middle parts, sparing neither labour nor costs by the space of these. vi. years past, that there is almost neither cape nor bay, haven, creak or pere, river or confluence of rivers, breeches, washes, lakes, meres, fenny waters, mountains, valleys, mores, hethes, forests, woods, cities, burges, castles, principal manor places, monasteries, and colleges, but I have scene them, and noted in so doing a whole world of things very memorable.  ¶ johan Bale. 
See what worthy travail, this learned man hath taken here▪ for the many fold commodities of his natural country, as a natural friend to the same. 
A friend  first he perused the profitable monuments of this great number of old writers, and by the search of them, his studious heart was inflamed to proceed yet farther. For after he had red them over, he took upon him a very laborious journey, over all the realm every way, both by see, and by land, by the space of. vi. years that he might know the costs thereof, 
vi. year●.  as we'll by practise as by speculation, and thereby give instructions to other. Mark herein his laborious and fruitful doings, and ye shall find him no less profitable to us, in the description of this particular nation, that were Strabo, Pliny, Ptholome, and other Geographers to their perusers, 
Geography.  in the pycturinge out of the universal world. No small dyscommodyte were it now to this land, if these his worthy labours should after any ill sort perish. For out of them might men of sundry occupienges, fatch most wonderful knowledge, for their necessary affairs every where. Consydre a multitude of things here named, if all their specialtees were brought fourth ones into light, as he hath collected them together, it would apere one of the greatest wonders, 
wonders.  that ever yet was scene in this region. The heavenly father grant the conservation of them.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Thus instructed, I trust shortly to see the time, 
Desriptio totius Britamniae primae in quadrata argenti tabula.  that like as Carolus Magnus had among his treasures three large and notable tables of silver, richly enamelled, one of the fyte and description of Constantynople, an other of the site and figure of the magnificent city of Rome, and the third of the description of the world. So shall your Majesty have this your world and empery of England so set fourth in a quadrate table of silver, if God send me life to accomplish my beginning, that your grace shall have ready knowledge at the first sight of many right delectable, fruitful, and necessary pleasures, by contemplation thereof, as often as occasion shall move you to the sight of it.  ¶ johan Bale. 
following the example of Charles the great, which had not only the chief cities of the Greek and Latin Empires, but also the whole world in silver tables artificially engraved, 
Carolus  this Leyland after long discourse, set forth in portiture a right description of this noble island, according to that he hath scene. But whether he performed his former promise to King Henry the viii. (to whom he dedicated this present treatise) which was to have done it in a. iiij. square table of silver, or other wise, that can I not groundedly tell. For why, the next year after, both the king deceased, 
Henrus  and Leylande also by a most pitiful occasion fell besides his wits, and is not yet fully amended, the heavenly father restore him again, to this lands most singular commodity. In that he calleth England an empire he doth not otherwise than did both josephus and Egesippus, with other notable Historianes. For josephus in lib. ij. cap. xxvi. de bello judaico, 
josephus  saith in the oration of King Agrippa. The Romans sought an other world beyond the great ocean, sending their mighty power and host in to Britain, whom they could never afore those days attain. The Romans by strength (saith Egesippus) obtained and other world beyond the ocean sea, in britain far from them, 
Britain  li ij. de excidio Heiroso lymae. The empire thereof is manifest in king Brennus, in great Constantyne, in Arthure, and in Edward the third. This bring I in here, that men should not disdaynously scorn, that they are yet ignorant of.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
And because that it may be more permanent, and farther known, then to have it engraved in silver or brass. 
Liber de Topographia Britamniae primae.  I intend by the leave of God, within the space of. xii. months following, such a description to make of your realm in writing, that it shall be no mastery after, for the graver of painter to make the like by a perfect example.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Not only have this notable writer and special friend to England, collected the monuments of learning & historical knowledge, as is afore rehearsed, 
Divesite  but also hath searched out by his six years labour, all havens, creeks, rivers, mountains, hethes, valleys, woods cities, towns, holds, with such other like, after a most wonderful sort. And to make unto us an orderly rehearsal of the same, he consequently gave himself to the compylinge of a book, whom in the margende he thus entitled, Liber de Topographia Britamniae primae, 
Topography.  a book concerning the description of the first Britain. If this work were not yet fully accomplished (as the matter is now in doubt) by reason of his troublous disease, great pity it were but his labours should come to some learned man's hand, that he might laudably finish it to the comen use. And although it were not so exactly followed as he hath begun it, yet should he be worthy perpetual memory in this noble nation, 
memory  for his good will and diligence. Many noble works we read of, that were left unperfectly, as their first authors were prevented of death, yet for their utility they have been finished by other good men. As now in our time, the Epitome of Chronicles begun by Thomas Lanquet, 
A chronicle.  was laboriously followed and profitably ended by Thomas Couper a man worthy of continual praise for so studious labours. The like also may be said of him, that brought to light the great work of Edward Halle. The Lord daily prosper so profitable affairs.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Yea, and to wade further in this matter, where as now almost no man can weal guess at the shadow of the ancient names of havens, 
Restituta vetera locorum in Britannia nomina.  rivers, promontories, hills, woods, cities, towns, castles, and varyete of kinds of people, that Cesar, Livi, Strabo Diodorus, Fabius Pictor, Pomponius Mela, Plinius, Cornelius Tacitus Ptolomeus, Sextus Rufus, Ammianus, Marcellinus, Solinus, Antoninus, and diverse other make mention of. I trust so to open this window, that the light shall be scene, so long, that is to say, by the space of a whole thousand years stopped up, & the old glory of your renowned Britain to reflorish through the world.  ¶ johan Bale. 
following his most profitable process, for the singular beauty of England, he calleth again to lively memory, the ancient names of cities towns, 
cities.  castles, hills, havens, rivers, and such like, which have been long buried in oblivion, and had utterly perished, had not those noble writers, whom he here reciteth, reserved them in their worthy works to our behove. Much more are we bound in that point, to these foreign authors, than to all our own Hystorianes, since the worlds beginning. And whether we may justly ascribe that to the negligence of our forefathers, 
Negligence.  either else to the churlyshenesse of them, which hath unnaturally withholden them so long time from us, I leave it to be judged of them that shall read this treatise. In this kind of writing, have Leylande plenteously done his part in Commentario Cygneae cantionis, 
Old names.  in Elencho antiquorum nominum, and in Syllabo dictionum veterum, besides his other labours, which we most desierously look for, at the hands of some worthy man, that will show his natural heart therein to his country. Greatly is this unwont manner of stodie, accepted now a days among men of knowledge, and much was used of S. Hierome and Lactantius, and is so weal exemplified in the sacred scriptures, 
Scriptures.  as in the profane histories of the nations. For Moses calleth Bethlehem, Ephrata, Goe xxxv. so doth David, and Micheas. Psal. cxxxi. Mic. v. Because that old name should never grow out of knowledge. The city that Matthew calleth Caesarea Philippi, Mat. xvi. is named in the old law Lesen, and Laisa, joshua. nineteen. and Esa. x. Constantynople of old writers is called Byzantium, Roma Latium, and London Trenouantum. 
London.  At this will the Papists and sectaries laugh scornfully, which neither delight in king, nor country, but only seek by subtleties to uphold their own filthy flesh in the wicked kingdom of Antichrist.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
This done, I have matter at plenty, already prepared to this purpose, that is to say, to write an history, to the which I intend to ascribe this title de Antiquitate Britannica, or else ●iuilis historia. 
De Antiquitate Britamnica sive de Civili historia, libri quinquaginta.  And this work I intend to divide into so many books, as there be shires in England, and shires & great dominions in wales. So that I eastern that this volume will include a thirty books, whereof each one severally shall contain the beginnings, increases, and memorable acts of the chief towns, and castles of the province allotted to it.  ¶ johan Bale. 
By this fulfilleth he his former promise, which is to clarify those things that our negligent predecessors, by more than a thousand years space, had diversely darkened. He hath prepared to our use, a most noble Chronicle of the antiquities of Britain, 
A chronicle,  called the civil history, and containing thirty books. Therein hath every shire both of England and wales, his particular book, comprehending their orygynalles and continual successes both of their peoples and governors. In them may every English man, and welsh man as in a clear mirror severally behold, the memorable acts, provisions, 
For all men,  commodities and buildings of his own native shire in itself. All the Chronicles of this noble realm, which hath been made afore this age, what though their authors for the more part were men pithily learned, yet at the sight hereof will apere, but mists and shadows. 
Shadows.  For neither observed they this most decent order, nor yet declared in so ample manner, matters so necessary, and so many in number. let us therefore most earnestly pray unto God the most plenteous giver of all good gytfes, that this noble work be not cast away by some cruel caterpillar or papist which disdaineth to further his own nation, neither yet that it be destroyed by an ignorant keeper or an idle possessor. But that it may fortunably light into the hands of such a good steward of his, 
A friend  as is learned and loving to his nation, that our natural brethren and country men may once taste of the sweetness of so precious a fruit, and not thereof be deprived, to their inestimable discommodyte.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Then I intend to distribute in to six books, 
Libri sex de insulis Britamniae adjacent bus.  such matter as I have already collected, concerning the Isles adjacent to your noble realm, and under your subjection. Whereof. iij. shall be of these Isles, Vecta, Mona, and Menavia, sometime kingdoms.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Consequently hath he herein stretched fourth his hand to the foreign Isles pertaining to this nation, 
the isles  for these two natural purposes. First that his natural country men, might know the situation and historical commodities of them, and afterwards that all men dwelling under the worthy dominion of England, might of his studious labours take profit. No reasonable creature can justly reprehend a love extending so far in weal doing, but rather with gentleness of humanity, commend it. If all men had remembered this brotherly office, 
Amity  England had never been so wretchedly spoiled of so many noble monuments of antiquity, by a many of unnatural children, yea, rather curyshe bastards, nothing else seeking, but their bellies. And as concerning the Isles, he hath not done amiss in describing them, for as the scriptures mention, 
Scriptures.  the Lord hath always had unto them a respect. For as the kind of man overspredde the whole world, by the natural offspring of Noah, in the hundredth year after the dylwy or general flood, Gene. ix. the Isles of the gentiles were anon after, to a certain of them divided, every man sorted in his kindred, speech, and nation Gene. x. Glorify God in doctrines. (saith Esay) you that do dwell in the Isles of the sea, 
Esaias.  and magnify the name of the Lord God of Israel. Esa. xxiv. And in an other place. The Isles far of (saith almighty God) which have not heard me spoken of, neither yet have scene my glory spread, shall declare my praise largely, among the gentiles, Esa. lxvi.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
And to superadd a work as an ornament and a right comely garland, to the enterprises afore said, I have selected stuff to be distributed into three books, the which I purpose thus to entitle, De nobilitate Britannica. 
De nobilitate Britamnica libritres.  Whereof the first shall declare the names of kings and queens with their children, dukes, earls, lords, captains, and rulers in this realm to the coming of the Saxons and their conquest. The second shallbe of the Saxons and Danes, to the victory of King William the great. The third from the normans to the reign of your most noble grace, descending lineally of the britain, Saxon, and Norman kings, So that all noble men shall clearly perceive their syneal parentele.  ¶ johan Bale. 
See what order he observeth here, in the end of this matter. After long discourse of his laborious process, concerning the search of libraries, description of the land, edition of books, 
Summ●  and declaration of their necessary arguments, he concludeth with nobility commending it as an ornature of beauty of all the other. And in his three books of that title, that is to say, of the nobility of britain, he comprehendeth the whole succession of kings with the true dissent of all noble kindreds under them, for the time of the reigns of the britains, 
nobility  Saxons, and Normans, which only here continued. So that every noble man within this region, having that worthy work, might clearly behold as in a pure glass, his parentage and success in blood, with their falls and raises, as the variety of times have given it. Which were a wonderful matter, and unto them for diverse causes much commodious. A noble heart surely had this present author, 
Noble heart.  and a most loving mind to his country, employenge his manifold labours to so diverse & needful matters concerning the same. consider ye noble men, the worthiness of this noble work, what profit might thereby arise not only to you, but also to them, which delight in the reading of histories: & as ye bear noble hearts to your country & kindreds, do that lieth in you, that it perish not. Make labour that it may fruitfully come abroad, 
Help it  as it is fruitfully of him collected, that both you, the realm & the author may have honour thereof.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Now if it shall be the pleasure of almighty God, that I may live to perform these things that be already begun, and in a great forwardness, 
Conclusio a delectabili & utili.  I trust that this your realm shall so we'll be known, once painted with his native colours, that the renown thereof shall give place to the glory of no other region. And my great labours and costs, proceeding from the most abundant fountain of your infinite goodness towards me your poor scholar and most humble servant, shall be evidently scene, to have not only pleased, but also profited the studious, gentle, and equal readers. This is the brief declaration of my laborious journey, taken by motion of your highness, so much studying at all hours, about the fruitful preferrment of good letters and ancient virtues.  ¶ johan Bale. 
Many other works hath he written, 
printed  of whom some are imprinted, as the assertion of king Arthure, the birth of Prince Edward, the song of the swan, the decease of sir Thomas wiet, the winning of Bullein, and the commendation of peace. Some are not yet printed, as his collections of the bishops of britain, of the universytees of the same, of the original and increase of good learnings there, of his Epigrams and Epitaphs, 
Vnpryntedr  and the life of king Sygebert, with many other more. Now in the conclusion, he promised the full performance of of all his works to the profit and pleasure of this noble nation. God lending him life and health convenient. And his hope was as mine is, and as is the truth of the matter, that these things once done, England which hath of the Italianes, and French men be reckoned a barbarous nation, 
Obscure  their Monuments afore time not known, will apere from thence fourth, equal with the proudest of them, in prowess, wisdom, eloquence, policies, and in all kinds of learning. Though the study and labour were Leylandes, in collecting these noble antiquities, yet was the first invocation thereunto King Henry's, 
King Henry.  with the payment of all his charges. And so weal ought the one as the other to be thereupon perpetually famed. If learned men were thus set a work, every one in his vocation, of them which are men of power, nobility would shine more bright, & doctrine apere more pure. But alas private cares dystayneth nobility, and beggary blemysheth learning.  ¶ johan Leylande. 
Christ continue your most royal estate, and the prosperity, 
Communenotum.  with succession in kingly dignity, of your dear and worthily beloved son prince Edward, granting you a numbered of princely sons, by the most gracious, benign, and modest lady your queen Cataryne.  
¶ joannes Leylandus Antiquarius.  ¶ johan Bale. 
With S. Paul here in the end of his brief declaration, concerning his laborious journey, Leylande prayeth for the King, 
Prayer.  taking Christ as an only mediator in that behalf, thinking it also an acceptable office afore God, so to do i. Timoth. ij. But now that this noble governor is departed and gone to God, it is meet that we from hens fourth return to the son, that in those days was due to the father. That is to say, to desire that Lord almighty through jesus Christ, 
Herytag  to maintain in all virtue, his most royal estate. For that which by the scripture was due to the father by his life time, is now by the same, the sons right inheritance, he being dead and gone. let us therefore in our daily prayers, most affectuously desire, that our most redoubted sovereign, King Edward the sixth, may have a prosperous and long continuance upon this earth, with fruitful succession in kyngelye dignity, when time and age shall require it. 
Obedience.  Also for our parts, let us endeavour ourselves to obey both him & his magistrates in the true fear of God, as those men that of him hath authority and power, to repress malefactors, and to aid all virtuous doers, i. Pet. two. If we be bound to do this to Ethnyckes and Idolaters, for the public office sake, much more let us do it to them that be of our christian profession, and do daily seek with all diligence possible, the manifest glory of his most holy name. The eternal father confirm both them and us in the purity of his word, 
Pray, pray.  and grant that we fashion our lives thereafter in all meekness of spirit, through jesus Christ his son & the holy Ghost.  
So be it.  
joannes Balaeus.   

¶ The conclusion.  
Mark sens the worlds beginning, how studious & diligent men have always been, for the conservation of noble antiquities, 
Antiquytees.  Yea, afore any kinds of letters were yet in use. For the children of Seth (as testifieth josephus) admonished by Adam of the destruction that should follow by water & fire, engraved in. ij. pillars the necessary memorials of their age. And consydre again the wickedness of our time, how ungracious and untoward we are in the mids of flourishing literature, to exercise ourselves in that most worthy office. Their labour was to hold things in remembrance, 
Ancestors.  which otherwise had most wretchedly perished. Our practises now are, to do so much as in us lieth, to destroy their fruitful foundations. They were not so ready in setting up for their times, but we in these days are as prompt to pluck down (I mean the monuments of learning) as though the world were now in his latter doting age, nigh drawing to an end. The hebrews, Greeks, and Romans, 
Examples.  were never so toward in this noble vain of working, but we have been by all ages as untoward. notwithstanding some worthy doars we have had, whose noble works we much less esteem in these days, than did the popish monks and priests for their idle times. For they at the least permitted them a dwelling place in their libraries, though it were among worms and dust. We will not suffer them to abide within our land, 
Ignomeny.  but either we give them leave to rot in vile corners, or drown them in our jakes, or else we send them over the see, never to return again. Alas I am heavy to tell this tale, yet the natural love of my country most strongly compelleth me to say somewhat therein.  
We send to other nations to have their commodities, and all is to little to feed our filthy flesh. But the singular commodities within our own realm, 
Commodytees.  we abhor and throw fourth as most vile noisome matter. Auydyously we drink the wines of other lands, we buy up their fruits & spices, yea, we consume in apparel their silks & their velvets. But alas our own noble monuments and precious antiquities, which are the great beauty of our land, we as little regard as the parings of our nails, Antiochus, Herode, & Dyoclecyane, are wonderfully yet spotted in the most authorized chronicles, & have upon their heads a double note of tyranny, 
tyrants.  for cruelly destroying the monuments of nations, specially of christian religion. The most spiteful act of the said Dioclecyane, Gyldas Badonicus much lamenteth in his work of the destruction of britain, declaring how he in the open streets there, brent all the scriptures & godly writings that might any where be found. Eutropius showeth in the sixth book of his Roman history, 
Eutropius.  that Achillas a duke seeking to do mischief against his emperor, fired a library of forty thousand books, a singular monument of study & of diligence among the Greeks, which with exceeding labour and leisure had gathered so wurthye works of so noble wits in so great number together. jacke Straw and watte Tyler. ij. rebellious captains of the commons in the time of King Richard the second, 
jack Straw.  brent all the layers books, registers, and writings within the city of London, as testifieth johan Maior and fabian in their chronicles.  
The anabaptists in our time, 
anabaptists.  an unquyetouse kind of men, arrogant without measure, capcyose and unlearned, do leave non old works unbrent, that they may easily come by, as appeared by the libraries at minster in the land of Westphaly, whom they most furiously destroyed. An able witness of this their wicked custom, is Petrus Plateanus among many others in his treatise against their dogged doings. Libros omnes exurunt (inquit) indignantes se ab alio, quam ab ipso suo spiritu doctos videri Miserum est cernere Bibliothecas non ignobiles ab execranda secta hoc modo aboleri. 
libraries.  The anabaptists burn all books (saith he) without respect, thinking scorn of any other spirit to seem learned, than of their own fanatical brains. A wretched thing it is to behold, the noble libraries so to be destroyed of that execrable sect. Antonius corvinus saith also in his book against them. 
corvinus  Anabaptistarum furor, optimos quosque autores, ac●ictustissima uenerande Antiquitatis exemplaria absumpserunt in Bibliotheca Osnaburgensi. The fury or frantic madness of the anabaptists, hath consumed away the most excellent writers and the most noble exemplaryes of honourable antiquity, in the worthy library of Osnaburg. I could bring out a great number of like testimonies, 
learned men.  from Oecolampadius, Zuinglius Bullinger, calvin, and Philyppe Melanchton, with other of the most notable writers of our age, concerning this ungracious violence of these chimney preachers and bench babblers, but let these two rehearsed at this time suffice.  
I wish all natural noble hearts, and fryndely men to their country, as we'll wordly occupiers as men of blood rial, to consider those mischievous examples of these cruel tyrants & wicked anabaptists, 
Examples.  that they might so abhor them, and with all endeavour possible avoid the like. And that they may gather an earnest occasion so to do, I bring them in here most worthy examples of their forefathers in this land, to contrary and blemish their frantycke and furious facts. Nennius Helius that noble britain, 
Nennius primus.  brother to Cassibellanus and Luddus, is reported the first that ever collected the famous acts of the britains. And thereto (some men say) he was first moved, by that he had heard of Reutha the King of Scots, which somewhat afore his time had done the like concerning that region. another sort applieth it unto the contention, which was between King Luddus his brother and him, 
opinions.  such time as he transposed the city of troynovant now called London. For in the transposing thereof, he changed the name, and from thence fourth called it Lud'S town, which as a friend to antiquity, he grievously took, for so much as the noble name of Troy, should by that means come to utter oblivion within the land. Those collections Nennius the Provost of Bannochor, 
Nennius' altar  not far from Westchestre, a man christianly learned for his time, more than. vi. hundred years after translated into Latin out of the Brittyshe language, as it is reported of the old Brityshe writers.  
Huldricus Mutius rehearseth in the. viii. book of his chronicle of the Germans, that Charles the great so much regarded antiquities, 
Charles  that he intermytted no day, but at one time or other he always therein red either some ancient history or else the sacred scriptures. Alcuinus the Deacon, an english man, which was in those days his chief instructor, in a certain epistle that he writeth to the universal church of England, he much commendeth a Biblyotheke or library in York, builded by the archbishop Egbert, 
Alcuinus  for the noble monuments that were conserved therein.  
Date mihi (inquit) eruditionis libellos, quales in patriae mea Anglia, per industiam magisti mei Egberti habui, & remittam vobis aliquos ex pueris nostris, ut excipiant inde necessaria, & revehant in Francian flores Britanniae. Et non sit tantum in Eboraco hortus conclusus, sed etiam in Turonia emissiones paradisi. permit me to copy out (saith he) such learned volumes or books of erudition, 
Bobes.  as I sometime had rule of, in my native country England, by the appointment of my master Egbert. And I shall send of our young men thither to copy out things necessary, and so to bring into France the sweet smelling flowers of Britain. let not the weal kept garden be so reserved in York, but that we may also taste in Turon the fruits of that sweet paradise. 
Diligence.  See how studious and laborious men were in those days, not only for the conservation of their learned mennyes labours, but also that other nations should have profit of them. Much altered are we from that golden world, nowadays.  
Like stories do we read, of King Sigebert and King alphred here in England, 
Kings  which not only sought out the best learned men of their times to instruct their own persons and families, but also they appointed certain hours every day, for their own private studies. In the end, for increase of all kinds of learning, they reared up the. ij. universities or general studies of Cambridge and Oxford, bringing thither all monuments of doctrine, as a most necessary maintenance and ornature to the same, which are in our days full miserably decayed to our realms no small dishonour. 
decayed  But the cause thereof may easily be conjectured. In these latter days, wherein Christ hath given to his tired congregation, the silence of half an hour, or peace for a time without persecution of tyrants furious, Apoca. viii. God hath given to us here in England withal, that he sometime gave to his chosen people the hebrews in the foreign provinces. He hath changed the heart of the lion into the hate of our mortal enemy, 
Edward  utterly to destroy him and all such as consent to his mischiefs, Hester in the. xiv. cap. The heart of our noble King is clearly averted from the cruel Haman of Rome, and from his disguised tormentors that so greedily sought the innocent blood of his people. Whereupon that rabble of papists careth not now what becometh of this realm. They much rejoice when the honour thereof turneth to destruction, as in this decay of libraries. 
papistes  So long as Antichrist reigned, they were both writers and speakers, but sens Christ came abroad either grace and learning hath failed them, or else they mind to bestow none upon him. Yet some in corners hath been folebolde, as hath weal appeared by that witless monster which made the last will of heresy, and fort of most open idolatry, with such other doting dastards.  
Now to turn again to the worthy examples, of them that had respect to the honour of their country. That noble and valiant captain sir johan Oldecastell, called also the Lord Cobham, 
johan Cobham.  perceiving the outrage of the romish pope's clergy in his time against the good doctrine of johan Wicleve, caused all his works to be coppyed out by most fair writers, at his own great cost and charge, and so connayed them into the land of Berne, that they might be there preserved from destruction. Some peraventure will not allow this fact, 
Wicleve  for so much as their pope hath condemned johan Wicleve for an heretic. But let such lewd papists dwell still in their accustomed frenzy, we know by his doctrine that he was a true Apostle of Christ. Humphrey the good Duke of Glocestre, 
Humfrey.  for the favour he bore to good letters, purchased a wonderful number of books in all sciences, whereof he freely gave to a library in Oxford, a hundred and. xxix. fair volumes. Thomas Gascoigne reporteth in his book of the floods of Babylon, that the kings here in England, were wont to hold a great number of good writers within the monasteries of their foundations, to non other end, but only to copy out the memorable works of old writers specially of the hystoryanes and chroniclers, that they might in their libraries perpetually remain, appointing them great stipends. And this worthy example they had from time to time of their fathers and predecessors. 
writers.  But alas (saith he) they now perish and come in great number to nought for want of renewing. What might this good man have said in our time, if he had scene this piteous desolation that we now behold?  
A few of us there be, that would gladly save the most necessary monuments of their dispersed remnant. But wretched poverty will not permit us, 
poverty  to show to our country such a natural and necessary benefit. Neither will they permit us their old copies, which have them in possession, but rather they suffer them to rot under their hands. When Bedas of jaru wrote the chronicles of the english Saxons, he had all the help that might be of the bishops & learned men here. 
Helpers  Cymbertus wrote unto him all that was done in the province of Lyndesay, now called lyncolne shire. Nothelmus sent to him also all that he had gathered together in Sussex, Sothray, & Kente. Alcuinus gave him his labours & collections for the province of York. Daniel of wynchestre made him penny of all that was done among the West saxons. And from all other quarters of the land, were letters, scrolls, and writings, directed by messengers unto him, to aid that godly enterprise of his. As it was once noised abroad in our time, that Conradus Gesnerus a great learned man of Tygur in Germany, 
Gesnerus  was minded to put fourth his universal Bibliotheke of all kinds of writers, a number of learned men in Germany, France, & Italy, searched out the names of many strange authors, with the titles of their works, and sent their good labours unto him to amplify the same. So did the printers also the cataloges and regestres of their printed works, to the furtherance of good learning and honest report of their names, 
Helpers  as undoubted they all for so doing are worthy. I would to our lord that we had within this land a number of learned men of the same honest zeal to letters. So should our noble antiquities and monuments of learning be known to our posterity, and our people be replenished with all kinds of good knowledge.  
In all ages of the church (saith Baptista Mantuanus in Apologetico) had we men of eloquence and learning, 
Mantuanus.  so we'll when it was in the Apostles time planted, as when it was in the days of the Martyrs watered, and under the ancient fathers and doctors nourished and refreshed. Which sentence might as weal be found true in this our Bryttyshe nation, as either in Asia, palestine, or Rome, in joseph of Arimathy and his companions which first taught us the Christian faith here, in Lucius the king, 
teacher's  Amphibalus, Aaron and julius. And last of all in Ninianus, Patricius, Elcutus, Dubrice David, Congellus, Kentingerne, Asaph Gildas, and a great sort more, if we had not in place of our true antiquities, most devilish fables and lies. When the book of God's law, which Moses wrote, was found in the chest of the levities, good king josias with the congregation of the Lord, 
josias  very much lamented the blindness and ignorance of their fathers, for the want thereof, and their own misfortune (as they than thought it) that they had been so long without it. ij. Parali. xxxiiij. A notable manner had the Profane or Ethnyck Princes and Magistrates, in reserving the excellent fruits of profound and rare wits for their posterity, as are the noble works of Socrates, Plato, Cicero, Virgyl, Arystotle, and Pliny. The nature of the ignoble and curryshe generation of Antichrist, 
Antichrist.  hath always been busied, seeking contrary wise to obscure all things, that contained any verity necessary. So come all sciences for the time of his reign, barbarysed, darkened and perverted, by the Sophysters and subtile summists, besides their filthy handlings of the sacred scriptures.  
Christ condemned the pharisees, not for professing the knowledge of the law, but for hiding and corrupting the right understanding thereof, & for holding the people in a very wicked blindness, Math. twenty-three. 
Pharsees.  And contrary wise he most amiably persuaded his dear disciples and friends, that they should in no wise hide or convey under a bushel, the light which he had appointed to be showed fourth abroad. Luce. xi. If we that by a name of Christianyte, profess his relygon in baptym, be not with him, we are utterly against him, and so procure to ourselves. 
Helpers  Mathe. xii. let one noble man therefore, now that the scriptures are plenteously spread, bring fourth one noble author, and an other imprint an other, to the conservation of England's antiquities. In like case let one rich merchant bring one worthy work of an ancient writer to light, and an other put fourth an other, to the beauty of our nation. Besides the Bryttyshe authors, whom I oft named afore, let one bring fourth Bedas goe gestis Anglorum, 
Bedas  an other William of Malmesbery de gestis Pontificum & Regum. let an other bring fourth Simeon of Durham with richard and johan of Haugustalde, an other Aldrede, and William of Rievall with Marianus the Scott. another Giraldus Cambrensis, an other Henry of Huntyngton, an other alphred of Beverlay, an other Florence of Worcestre, and an other Walter of Excestre An other Roger Hoveden, an other Matthew Paris, on other johan Beaver, an other Radulphus Niger, 
Writers  an other Radulphus de Diceto, an other William Newburg of Bridlington, an other johan of Oxford, An other Scala temporum, an other Flores historiarum, Asserius, Obseruus, Geruasius, Stephanides, and Richardus Divisiensis of winchester, with a wonderful number besides.  
As much, yea, rather more, is unfruitfully consumed at one belly banquet than would pay the charges of three of these famous works. Let all noble hearts consider the vanity thereof, 
consider  & what honest fame might arise by these doings, as we'll to their own persons as to their maturall country. Plinius (as I remember) hath this very notable sentence, that one to help an other, is a most comeliness in the mortal kind of man. The Philosopher saith also, the more comen to man's use, and good thing is made, the more profitable and precious it is. 
Mark it  So weal is he worthy of perpetual fame that bringeth a good work to light, as is he that first deed make it, & aught always to be reckoned the second father thereof. For as Vlpianus reporteth in his Pandectes, it is all one, a thing not to be, and not to apere to the comen use. No edyfyenges on the earth, are to be compared to this, if we have respect to durable fame and renown. All the Pantheons, Palaces, amphitheatres, Castles, Capitols, and other monstrous buildings of the world, 
buildings.  are not to us so notable, as is yet the name of one Theophilus a citizen of Antioch, to whom S. Luke in his time only dedicated his Gospel and Acts. No, neither the Labyrinth of Dedalus, nor yet the great pillars of Hercules, neither yet hear in England the Stonheng of Salysbury plain, which) they say) was brought thither from Ireland, by merlin the Prophet of Wales. 
Merline  What else hath reduced the name of sir johan Bourchier the lord Barners to a fame immortal, but his translation of frossardes' chronicle from French into english.  
O that we had now the flourishing works of Gildas, 
Gildas.  surnamed Cambrius, that most noble Poet and Historyane of the Britain's, which wrote in the time of king arviragus, when S. Peter yet preached to the dispersed brethren. The Venetians more than lxxxviij. years ago for their commodity could fetch them out of Ireland, & have them yet comen both at venice and Rome, accounting them a very special treasure. We neither seek them, covet them, nor regard them, though they be of our land the most precious antiquities and excellent memoryalles of learning, 
antiquity  as testifieth both Lilius Gyraldus in vitis poetarum, and also Pontius Virunnius in historia Britannica. I pray God we may once rightly way our own slothful negligence in things which might be greatly to our honour. Then should we soon perceive, what a point it were of ignobylyte, to suffer such works to perish as we daily with our eyes behold. I have heard it among strangers reported, 
Strangers.  that English men are fryndely in things which lasteth not, as in banquets and late suppers. But let this be verified of the vain and inconstant Papists of our nation, and not of us Christianes', which ought to be of a far other disposition. let us apply our studies, to give to our foreign Christen friends, things lasting & durable, 
durable.  as they have full learnedly done unto us in most ample manner. Such may be most of all the noble and worthy monuments of our land here, truly gathered, to the manifold praise of our eternal living God, which hath in these latter days, visited both them, & us with innumerable gifts of his heavenly grace. To whom be glory without end. Amen.  
¶ Thus endeth the laborious journey and search of johan Leyland, for England's antiquities, with declarations enlarged by johan Bale. Anno, M.D.XLIX.  
¶ Have love to your natural country, as had Abraham, Isaac, jacob, joseph, Moses, joshua, Gedeon, Mathathias, and other noble captains to the land of Israel. Seek the comfort and honour thereof, as did these worthy fathers, and not the cruel desolation as did Ishmael, Esau Ouan, Nabal, Achitofel, Antiochus, Alchimus, Triphon, the priests of Bahal, and other notatable traitors.  ¶ A wise man which applieth his mind to understand God's law, will busy himself to seek wisdom out from all antiquity, and exercise his wits in the prophets. He observeth the sayings, of famous men, and laboureth to perceive dark sentences, of wisdom. Ecclesiast. xxxix.  

¶ As I had finished this present treatise, a friend of johan Leylande brought me these verses of his, to emprint them with the work, least any thing should perish that came from him. And I was as glad to perform it, as he was to desire it. I would I might so weal give unto my readers the most noble work of his Epigrams, as these few verses following.  
MOlliter hic tumulus Thomae legit ossa Milonis,  
Cui ter quinque Deus lustra videre dedit.  
Sic vitam instituit sanctam, moresque pudicos,  
Illius ut cuncti fa●ta suprema gemant,  
Sic ornamentis sacra hanc decoravit & aeden  
Se dibus ut niteant aurea quaeque suis.  
Ergo s●meritis pateat locus ullus, amoenum  
Inter coelicolas possidet ille locum.  
☞ De calumniante Croco,  
Me fatuum Curuus, fatuorum maximus ille  
Imperio quodam praedicat esse suo.  
Vt sim, me Furiae non torquent, illius urgent  
Clade Mathematicum nocte dieque caput.   

A Regystre of the names of English Writers, whom the second part of my work, de Scriptoribus Britannicis, shall comprehend as it cometh fourth.  

¶ johan Bale to the readers.  
AN occasion (me thinketh) is offered me here, to exhybit some part of my studious labours to the use of my brethren, I would I were as able to give them the whole contents thereof, as I could find in my heart to do it out of hand freely. Sens I returned home again from Germany, where as I both collected, and emprented my simple work, de Scriptoribus Britannicis I have for the full correction and further augmentation of the same, perused many libraries both in Cambridge and Oxford. In the famous city of London, is but one known library, so far as I can learn, which also by favour I have scene over. But alas for pity, that it should be reported of so noble a city, to have but one library, and that to be so slender a thing as it is The time hath been, when it hath had a great number of the noblest libraries in all Christendom, their destination at this day, of men godly minded, is much to be lamented. Though the act were most commendable, to suppress the dysgysed sects of the romish Antichrist, and so to banish them hens, yet can not the sufferance of this so heavy a ruin of England's noble monuments, be so judged of men wise & learned, but alas, far otherwise.  
Their temples for the more part, 〈◊〉 their other buildings, remain yet still, unbroken, Alac why might not their libraries as we'll have remained to the comen wealth of learning, undestroyed? Among the stationers & bookbinders, I found many notable antiquities, of whom I wrote out the titles, times, and beginnings, that we might at the least show the names of them, though we have not as now, their whole works to show. If the bishop of Rome's laws, decrees decretals, extravagantes, clementines and other such dregs of the devil, yea if Heytesburyes ●●phlsmes, Porphyryes universals, Aristotle's old so gyckes and Dunce & divinity, with such other lousy legerdemaynes, and fruits of the bottomless pit, had leapt out of our libraries, and so becomen coverings for books coming from the foreign nations, we might weal have been therewith contented. But to put our ancient Chronicles, our noble histories, our learned commentaries & homilies upon the scriptures, to so homely an office of subjection & utter contempt we have both greatly dishonoured our nation, and also showed ourselves very wicked to our posterity.  
Now let me return to my laborious search for old and new writers. I have been also at Norwyche, our second city of name, and there all the library monuments, and turned to the use of their gross, candelmakers' soap sellers, and other worldly occupiers, so studious have we been there for a comen wealth, and so careful of good learning, o negligence most unfryndly to our nation. I would have been sorry to have uttered so obscure a fact, had not the ungentilnesse of the thing required it, to the warning of them which shall come after, for doing the like to the hindrance of the realm. As much have I saved both there & in certain other places of Norfolk and Southfolke concerning the author's names & titles of their works, as I could, & as much would I have done through our the whole realm, if I had been able to have borne the charges, as I am not. Wherefore my dear con●rey men, such as are zealous to their nation & desirous of good knowledge, in the residue shall accept at this time, my good will for my fact. These are the notable writers, whose names I have gathered, & whose manifold fruits of doctrine I am ready to show, if the lord make me of power to perform it besides the diligent recognition & increacementes of my first labours.   

¶ The names.  

ADalbertus spaldingensis  
Adamus Cartusiensis.  
Adamus abbess dorensis.  
Adamus anglicus Cisterciensis.  
Adamus abbess Rievallis.  
Adamus Saxlyngham.  
Adamus Hemlynghton.  
Adamus Eston Cardinalis.  
Adamus Salthus.  
Adamus de Nidzarde.  
Adamus Mirymouth.  
Adelardus Bathomensis.  
Achardus Anglicus.  
Aegidius de foeno.  
Albertus' episcopus Lincolnie.  
Albanus somniator.  
alexander de S. Albano.  
Alexander Carpentarius.  
Alexander Barkeley.  
Alfricus Archiepiscopus.  
Alphredus Capellanus.  
Alienora Regina.  
Andrea's Horn.  
Andrea's Ammonius.  
Anglicus Ceriptor.  
Antonius' fizherberde.  
Antonius' Cook.  
Antonius Gylby.  
Arnoldus Civis Londinensis.  
Arnulphus Abbas.  
Astulphus Monachus.  
Arturius Kelton.  
Atroclius, et Isanus.   

¶ Baldewinus Cantuariensis.  
Bartholomeus Dunelmensis.  
Bartholomeus de Culey.  
Bartholomeus Exoniensis.  
Benedictus Anglicus.  
Bernardus Sylvester.  
Bernardus Morlanensis.  
Bylyngham Philosophus.  
Brito Monachus Nordouicensis.  
Bridferthus Ramesiensis.  
Bridlyngtonus quidam.  
Brenkyll Monorita.  
Bocfastus Philosophus.  
Boedanus Anglus.  
Bostonus Buryensis.   

¶ Canonicus Regularis.  
Caratocus Nancaruan.  
Castertonus Monachus.  
Christophorus Nolhamsensis.  
Christophorus sayn jermayn.  
Clemens Lanthoniensis.  
Cornelius Hibernus.  
Chronica Anonymorum.  
Commentatores Merlini.  
Cowtonus Archiepiscopus.  
Cuthbertus de jaru.  
Cuthwinus Wiremuthensis.   

¶ Daniel Ceretus.  
Daniel Church.  
David Tavalegus.  
David lindsay.  
Dionysius Holkam.  
Dynley Carmelita.  
Downeham Theologus.   

¶ Eadmundus de Abendon.  
Eadmundus Dudley.  
Eadmundus Alen.  
Eboracensis Episcopus.  
Edwardus Foxus.  
Edwardus Walshe.  
Edwardus. vi. Anglorum Rex.  
Elbodus Cpiscopus.  
Eremita quidam.   

¶ Franciscanus Historicus.  
Franciscus Bygot.  
Frater Perscrutator.  
Fridegodus Anglus.  
Frisyngfelde Grammaticus.  
Foluyle Minorita.  
Fuldebertus Persorensis.   

¶ Galfridus de Hyngham.  
Galfridus Vinesauf.  
Galfridus Lynge.  
Gawinus Douglas.  
Georgius folberius.  
Georgius Lilius.  
Gerardus Puella.  
Geraldus Cornubiensis.  
Geruasius Tilberius.  
Geruasius de Partho.  
Gilbertus Westmonasteriensis.  
Gilbertus Buckenham.  
Gilbertus de Legle.  
Gilbertinus Anglicus.  
Gisla et Richtruda.  
Glaundenyle jurista.  
Godfridus Wintoniensis.  
Godfridus Cornubiensis.  
Godfridus Eglyn.  
Godwinus Sarisburiensis.  
Gregorius de Cairguent.  
Gregorius de Huntyngdon.  
Gregor●us Bridlyngtonensis.  
Gualtherus Archiepiscopus.  
Gualtherus Mapes.  
Gualtherus Euesham.  
Gualtherus de Hibernia.  
Gualtherus Bokedene.  
Gualtherus Heston.  
Gualtherus Gysborne.  
Gualtherus Wymborne.  
Gualtherus Tiryngton.  
Gualtherus Excestre.  
Gualtherus Mogolanensis.  
Gualtherus Catchepoll.  
Gualtherus de Hylton.  
Gualtherus de Landu.  
Gualtherus Britte.  
Gualtherus Parker.  
Guido de Marchis.  
Guilhelmus Gemeticensis.  
Guilhelmus Hanaberg.  
Guilhelmus Myluerley.  
Guilhelmus Heythisbury.  
Guilhelmus de Pagula. ij.  
Guilhelmus Notyngham.  
Guilhelmus Radynges.  
Guilhelmus Sudbury.  
Guilhelmus de Kyngesham.  
Guilhelmus Encourt.  
Guilhelmus Lyncolne.  
Guilhelmus Conches.  
Guilhelmus Brunyarde.  
Guilhelmus Northfelde.  
Guilhelmus Lubbenham.  
Guilhelmus Massiliensis.  
Guilhelmus de Burgo.  
Guilhelmus de Rubrouke.  
Guilhelmus de sancta fide.  
Guilhelmus Wigorniensis.  
Guilhelmus Norton.  
Guilhelmus de Dalton.  
Guilhelmus Sternefelde.  
Guilhelmus Briton.  
Guilhelmus Suthflet.  
Guilhelmus Haruy.  
Guilhelmus Beanfu.  
Guilhelmus de sancto Albano.  
Guilhelmus leicester, de montibus.  
Guilhelmus de ramsey.  
Guilhelmus Harsick.  
Guilhelmus Wyckham.  
Guilhelmus Bongevilla.  
Guilhelmus Salisbury.  
Guilhelmus Beckle.  
Guilhelmus Rimyston.  
Guilhelmus Ive.  
Guilhelmus Seyton.  
Guilhelmus Stapylhart.  
Guilhelmus Galyon.  
Guilhelmus Copynger.  
Guilhelmus Whetley.  
Guilhelmus Grene.  
Guilhelmus Chireburg.  
Guilhelmus Lyssy.  
Guilhelmus Docreda.  
Guilhelmus Anglicus.  
Guilhelmus Southampton.  
Guilhelmus Sutton.  
Guilhelmus Excestre.  
Guilhelmus Butler.  
Guilhelmus rowel.  
Guilhelmus Paris.  
Guilhelmus Byntre.  
Guilhelmus de Nangis.  
Guilhelmus de Risshang.  
Guilhelmus Botoner.  
Guilhelmus Shubbiss.  
Guilhelmus Horman.  
Guilhelmus Grocinus.  
Guilhelmus Latimerus.  
Guilhelmus Melton.  
Guilhelmus Roye.  
Guilhelmus Barlowe.  
Guilhelmus Thynne.  
Guilhelmus Parfeius.   

¶ Henricus de Esseburne.  
Henricus Crixstede.  
Henricus Salteriensis.  
Henricus Costesay.  
Henricus Bracton.  
Henricus Harkeley.  
Henricus Swmesius.  
Henricus La vile.  
Henricus Parker.  
Henricus Bradsha.  
Henricus Bulle●us.  
Henricus Brinkelowe.  
Henricus Howerde comes.  
Helizabetha filia Regis.  
Herebertus Nordouicensis episcopus.  
Hibernicus quidam.  
Huggonus Pseudo propheta.  
Hugo de Euesham.  
Hugo de sancto Neoto.  
Hugo de novo caltro.  
Hugo Sotovagina.  
Hugo Legat.  
Hugo de Hibernia.  
Hugo de Snexeth.  
Hugo de Matiscon.   

¶ joannes Chilmarke.  
joannes Tartais.  
joannes Rocheforth.  
joannes Anglicus.  
joannes Bampton.  
joannes Langdene.  
joannes Wyckam.  
joannes Lutterell.  
joannes Oxrach.  
joannes Bloxham Carmelita.  
joannes Bloxham Mertonensis.  
joannes de Beverlaco.  
joannes Somerset.  
joannes Athon vel Acton.  
joannes Repyngale.  
joannes Ridenaus.  
joannes Sharp.  
joannes Hylton.  
joannes Wylton.  
joannes de sancto Eadmundo.  
joannes Dumbleton.  
joannes Severle.  
joannes Fordeham.  
joannes Cornubiensis.  
joannes Clippeston.  
joannes Rodyngton.  
joannes Somerton.  
joannes Alyngton.  
joannes Seguarde.  
joannes Elyn.  
joannes Driton.  
joannes Goodwyck.  
joannes Amundysham.  
joannes Withamstede.  
joannes Multon.  
joannes Wellys monachus.  
joannes Palmer.  
joannes Wychyngham.  
joannes Manduyt.  
joannes Lovey.  
joannes Sloley.  
joannes de Tynmouth.  
joannes de Burgo.  
joannes Lathbury.  
joannes Latimerus.  
joannes Holbroke.  
joannes de Mare.  
joannes Dewros.  
joannes Bury.  
joannes botrell.  
joannes Felton.  
joannes Flete.  
joannes Dalton.  
joannes Stukey.  
joannes Langton.  
joannes de Musca.  
joannes Kylyngworth.  
joannes de Merisco.  
Ioann●s brydlyngton.  
joannes Ouynhell.  
joannes Blak●n●y.  
joannes Gower.  
joannes Eboracensis Cardi.  
joannes Basyngstoke.  
joannes coley.  
joannes Garland.  
joannes Lelandus signior.  
joannes Aldar.  
joannes Euerisden.  
joannes Kenyngale.  
joannes Estby.  
joannes Kent. joannes Maylart.  
joannes Roxburgensis.  
joannes Stambrigius.  
joannes Spyne.  
joannes Claymundus.  
joannes Constable.  
joannes Skelton.  
joannes Batmanson.  
joannes Sowle.  
joannes Basset.  
joannes Rixe. joannes Skuysh.  
joannes Freas.  
joannes Gwynneth.  
joannes Dedecus.  
joannes Houghton.  
joannes Bird.  
joannes Heliar.  
joannes Mylis.  
joannes Longlonde.  
joannes Robyns.  
joannes Powelus.  
joannes Field.  
joannes baretus.  
joannes Rhesus.  
joannes Aldristus.  
joannes Marbeck.  
joannes Hales.  
joannes Heron.  
joannes Veron.  
joannes Old.  
joannes Foxus.  
jocelinus de Brakelonde.  
Isanus et Atroclius.  
juliana barns.  
julianus Britannus.  
junetus Anglus.   

¶ Kilyngtonus Decanus Pauli.  
Karewe Oxoniensis.   

¶ Laurentius Dunelmensis.  
Laurentius Cunde.  
Laurentius de Somercote.  
Laurentius Russius.  
Lachbertus Abbas.  
Lenthwardinus Theologus.  
Leonardus Coxus.  
Libri Anonymorum.  
Livinus Archiepiscopus.  
Lucas Bosden. Lucas Shepherd.  
Ludovicus Cairleon.  
Ludovicus Sharleton.  
Ludovicus wager.   

¶ Machutes Britannus.  
Martinus de Clyvo.  
Martinus Sculthorpe.  
Mattheus Vtudocinensis.  
Michael Cornubiensis.  
Minorita Herefordensis.  
Monachus de Euesham.   

¶ Nicolas Brekendale.  
Nicolaus Mamacutius.  
Nicolaus Fakynham.  
Nicolaus Botlesham.  
Nicolaus Bungey.  
Nicolaus Bollare.  
Nicolaus Astone.  
Nicolaus Ratclyff.  
Nicolaus Cartusianus.  
Nicolaus Hostresham.  
Nicolaus Grimoaldus.  
Nicolaus Brigan.  
Nicolaus Lesseus.  
Nigellus de Werekere.  
Nigellus Eligensis.   

¶ Ocleff Anglus.  
Odo de Ceritonia.  
Oliverus Britannus.  
Osbertus de Clara.   

¶ Paulus Middelburge.  
Petrus Londinensis canonicus.  
Petrus Babyon.  
Petrus de quesnell.  
Petrus Rugiensis.  
Petrus Kenyngale.  
Petrus wattes.  
Philippus Nycols.  
Prior Trinitatis Londini.  
Pupwell Sophista.   

¶ Radulphus Niger.  
Radulphus de Diceto.  
Radulphus Archiepiscopus.  
Radulphus Spaldynge.  
Radulphus Strodus.  
Radulphus Westmonasteriensis.  
Radulphus de Longo campo.  
Radulphus de Coggeshale.  
Radulphus bockynge.  
Radulphus Acton.  
Radulphus de Marham.  
Radulphus Ratclyff.  
Radulphus skinner.  
Reginaldus Cantuariensis.  
Reginaldus Langham.  
Reginaldus de Piperno.  
Reginaldus Mohun.  
Reginaldus Polus.  
Ricardus Divisiensis.  
Ricardus prior Eligensis.  
Ricardus Medicus.  
Ricardus Belgrave.  
Ricardus walyngforth.  
Ricardus Hagustaldensis.  
Ricardus Crolandiensis.  
Ricardus blyton.  
Ricardus Wetheringsete.  
Ricardus Folsham.  
Ricardus Londini Decanus  
Ricardus Depedale.  
Ricardus Remyngton.  
Ricardus Snedysham.  
Ricardus Porlonde.  
Ricardus Tenet.  
Ricardus Fleming.  
Ricardus le Ruys.  
Ricardus Conyngton.  
Ricardus Wichyngham.  
Ricardus Feribrydge.  
Ricardus Langlande.  
Ricardus Premonstratensis,  
Ricardus rice.  
Rhithmi Plures.  
Robertus Crickladensis.  
Robertus dux Glocestrie.  
Robertus Veyse.  
Robertus Dodeforde.  
Robertus Tuyforde.  
Robertus Alyngton.  
Robertus Oxford.  
Robertus Curson.  
Robertus Ormeskirke.  
Robertus Balsac.  
Robertus de monte Michaelis.  
Robertus Pullus seu Polenius.  
Robertus Fynyngham.  
Robertus Mascall.  
Robertus Strodus.  
Robertus Scriba de bridlyngton.  
Robertus de Leycestria.  
Robertus Bale scriba Londinensis.  
Robertus Bale Burnehamensis.  
Robertus Shyngleton.  
Robertus Whyttyngton.  
Robertus Record.  
Robertus Crowley.  
Rogerus whelpedale.  
Rogerus Computista.  
Rogerus Cestriensis.  
Rogerus Swynesheade.  
Rogerus de Wyndore.  
Rogerus Herefordensis.  
Rogerus Dymmocke.  
Rogerus black Monachus.  
Rogerus de Waltham.  
Rogerus Glacton.  
Rogerus Ascam.  
Rolandus Harryson.   

¶ Samson Demeta.  
Scotici Scriptores.  
Serlon Anglus.  
Seruanus et Teruanus.  
Simon de Fraxino.  
Simon de Tunstede.  
Simon de Gurnay.  
Simon de Feversham.  
Simon Alcock.  
Simon de Langton.  
Simon de Doreston.  
Simon de Henton vel Horneton.  
Simon de bredon.  
Simon Burneston.  
Simon Fish.  
Specula Nonnulla.  
Stanfordiensis Preceptor.  
Stephanus Hawis.   

¶ Teruanus & Seruanus.  
Theobaldus Stampensis.  
Thinredus Doveriensis.  
Thomas Eboracensis.  
Thomas de Wynchecombe.  
Thomas Ismaelita.  
Thomas de Hibernia.  
Thomas New Market.  
Thomas Peverell.  
Thomas Walsyngham.  
Thomas Langle.  
Thomas Wylton.  
Thomas Hasylwode,  
Thomas Stacy.  
Thomas Gascoigne.  
Thomas Dando.  
Thomas Merke.  
Thomas Palmer.  
Thomas Esseby.  
Thomas Stanshave  
Thomas Dockinge  
Thomas Baiocensis.  
Thomas de Hanneya.  
Thomas Brinton.  
Thomas Bungey.  
Thomas Phaier.  
Thomas de Stureia  
Thomas Sarisburiensis.  
Thomas Monumetensis.  
Thomas Rudborne Monachus.  
Thomas Eboral.  
Thomas Lupsetus.  
Thomas Spenser.  
Thomas Artour.  
Thomas Philomelus.  
Thomas Solimount.  
Thomas Lanquet.  
Thomas Serneholde.  
Thomas Swynnerton.  
Thomas Cowper.  
Tipitotus Wygorniensis.   

¶ Vignalocus Britannus.  
Vincentius Minorita.  
Visiones quedam.  
Vite quorundam.  
Vtredus monachus  
Waldewinus Wigorniensis.  
Waruerus Westmonasteriensis.  
Watertonus Buriensis.  
Whetley Anglicus.  
Wigmore Concionator.   
THus have I ministered here, a taste of my labours, to them that be fryndely hearted to their country and favourable to good letters, doing them thereby to know, that I would do greater things to their honest commodity, if I were of power. I have given them a great number of the names of their famous and notable workmen which wrote in this nation from age to age, some weal some ill, according to the diverse nature of their times, like as the holy Ghost forejudged of their doings in S. Johan's revelation. If ye had with the said names, their acts, their ages, and the titles of their books, which I have now in a readiness to show, ye might peraventure see many unknown wonders. But if ye had their whole works in deed, as they were in substance & fashion, which now for the more part are perished, ye should have scene most wonders of all. Their ages are as necessary to be known as their doctrines, and the titles of their books so we'll as their manifest acts, to them that will thoroughly judge things as they are, & not be deceived by colours  
For what thing more clearly trieth the doctrines of men, what they are, than do their ages or times? Either yet, what more proveably manifesteth the goodness or evilness of their acts, than do the titles, or arguments of their works? He that will thus try Dominick and Frances, the founders of two new religions, which with their shoulders undrepropped the great temple of Laterane, or stout synagogue of Rome, than falling downwards, as pope Innocent the third beheld ones (they say) in S. Peter's church in a vision, shall find the one a murderer of the body the other a murderer of the soul, the one an hypocrite afore God, the other before the world. The other two sects of begging friars, to apere of an highar perfection, did fetch their foundations much farther of, that is to say, from Helias, Mary, and Augustyn, yet could they never precede them in hypocrisy to dascll the eyes of the world for lucre. The book of dominics doctrine, no fire (they say) was able to burn, yet now when his virtue should be tried thereby, it is not upon the earth to be scene. The doctrine of Frances is apparunt to this day, both in his rule & testament to be a blasphemous profession of hypocrisy in the idolatrous kingdom of Antichrist.  
If these men be proved hypocrites & soul murderers, by their execrable doctrines & examples, as they are conferred with the noble rules of the pure scriptures, what shall we judge of all their idle followers, either yet of their frantic fruits, of vows, constitutions, ceremonies, & their other frivolous observations? Yea, what shall we report of those upholders of Sodomebe they doctors, layers, justices, gentlemen, or men of other sort, that will yet ungently contend by sophistical arguments void of all verity, those Gomorreal rules and vows to be so indispensible, that they can give no place to God's free institution of marriage? I say as I think, & as I will write, when I come once to the trying out of the worthy truth from their execrable poison, that they are neither learned, wise, nor noble, but unsavourly smell of their beggarly bags, whose lousy wallettes they shake. As the saying is, such lips, such lettuce, such harp such melody, bot now to conclude. The vi. viii. ix. and xi. chapters of S. johans Apocal. are as a perfighte & sure touchstone, whereby all ages, doctrines, acts & titles are from time to time tried, of what estimation and value they apere in God's sight, to make us godly wise in receiving them.  
In the supplecyons of my. v. hundred of Brytysh & English writers (of whom I have not. vi. persons here named) to some one have I added more than. lx. works with their beginnings, to some. xl. to some. xx. to some more, to some less, as I have them collected of the libraries. Wherein men may behold the diligence of our forefathers in the time of superstition, & the untoward negligence of us now a days in the mids of learning & sight. If any men loving the learned fame of their nation, do know of more learned writers than I have here, & in thy other book named (as it is not in my power to travail in all quarters, if ●hey in season send me the names, times, titles, numbers, and beginnings of their works. I will register them, as I have done those. The same will I do also, for them which are now living, or of late years have deceased, if I may obtain the like at their hands, to the famous commodity of England in so many noble fruits. Moreover if any honest godly man, English Brityshe, scottish or irish, have any antiquity notable, concerning history (which otherwise might perish and be lost) if he for this good purpose vouchsafe to lend his copy, he shall not only have books for it, but also in the end, the said copy again. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ, be evermore to them assistant, that love his heavenvly truth without superstition unfeignedly. Amen.    

¶ Emprented at London by johan Bale, Anno. M.D.XLIX.